Discriminant Function Equations Research Articles

Determination of Sex from Epicondylar Breadth of Femur

Introduction: Sex determination from skeletal remains allows one to narrow the search in individual identification. As the femur shows 75% Variation between individuals, it has been useful for sex determination. There are many possible femoral measurements, but the Epicondylar breadth is routinely considered to be useful for sexing individuals. To date, nothing has been published on other measurements of distal femur, which may be useful if the bone is fragmented, and only lower part of bone is available. This study is an attempt to evaluate sex determination from distal femora of Indian origin. Subjects and Methods: For this study total 208 normal dry human femur bones of known sex were studied, which were collected from various medical colleges of Gujarat. For measurement of Epicondylar breadth of femur, Digital sliding vernier caliper was used. Results: The discriminant function equation for sex determination from Epicondylar Breadth (EB) of femur is:-Y = 0.143 * EB + (-8.334) If Y is < 0 then the sex of the bone is Female and if Y is > 0 then the sex of the bone is Male. Conclusion: With the use of discriminant function score, 87% of femur samples are correctly predicted about sex. The results of this study is particularly useful in a case for sex determination in which the skeletal remains of an individual are incomplete or damaged and thus more accurate bones such as the pelvis or cranium are absent.

Comparative analysis of growth performance between female and male mud crab Scylla paramamosain crablets: Evidences from a four-month successive growth experiment

Mud crab (Scylla paramamosain) is an economically important crustacean species for fisheries and aquaculture industry in China and other Southeast Asian countries. In this study, the sex ratio, morphological dimorphism, and the characteristics of morphological traits between female and male S. paramamosain juveniles at three different pond-culture stages were determined. The sex ratio skewed towards female crablets as growth and development proceeded. Three growth traits exhibited significant differences between sexes when the crablets were at two months of pond-culture stage, however, the number of growth traits with significant differences increased to seven when the crablets were at three and four months of pond-culture stages. Further, significant positive correlations were detected among all the 190 trait-pairs, irrespective of the pond-culture stages of the crablets. Apart from this, the path coefficients and determination coefficients varied between sexes among the three pond-culture stages, suggesting that the growth traits have different effects on body weight (BW) of female and male crablets during different pond-culture stages. The effect of growth traits on BW in both sexes at different pond-culture stages was determined by constructing six multiple regression equations. Analysis of the width-weight relationship revealed that male crablets had positive growth allometry whereas the females had isometric growth. In addition, an obvious sexual dimorphism in cheliped size and abdomen width was observed with growth and development. A discriminant function equation was successfully constructed for sex identification based on morphological indexes, with a high accuracy of 90.4%.

3D analysis of computed tomography (CT)-derived lumbar spine models for the estimation of sex.

When skeletal remains are found scattered or in fragmentary conditions, the establishment of a biological profile of unknown individuals can be proven difficult. Consequently, multiple methods to ascertain the sex of the individual must be developed. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that computed tomographic (CT)-derived 3D models of lumbar vertebrae could capture the unique morphologies of all five lumbar vertebrae to create equations for sex identification. The models were selected from a modern population consisting of 154 males and females that measured 30 standard linear measurements, the vertebral body wedging angle, and five aspect ratios. These measurements were then used to develop discriminant function equations for sex identification. Each lumbar level was analyzed individually as well as part of the entire lumbar spinal column. The results of this study showed that L1-L5 vertebrae can be used in sex determination with an 81.2-85.1% accuracy. When all five vertebrae are used in conjunction, the accuracy is 92.2%. The accuracy of the sex estimation found in this study for all lumbar vertebrae reinforces the distinct dimorphism between sexes while also providing forensic practitioners with more options or tools for their analyses.

Sexual dimorphism in right and left orbital fossa measurements from adult human skulls from an eastern Indian population

In forensic anthropology, the pelvis is the most reliable indicator of sex, followed by the skull, with several studies having used the morphometry of the orbital aperture of dry skulls to estimate sex. However, age, sex, ancestry, and evolutionary periods cause variations in orbital characteristics. In this study, we analyzed measurements of orbital fossa from adult human craniums and employed discriminant function analysis to establish a model to predict sex. A manual Vernier caliper was used to obtain measurements of the left and right orbital fossa. On comparing the measurements (including mean, minimum, and maximum), we found that all the dimensions were greater in males than in females. Wilks' lambda for the sex-discriminating model was 0.533, signifying a moderate discriminating power. The discriminant function equation was: df = −10.274 × right orbit width + 13.44 × left orbit width − 7.982 × right orbit height + 7.694 × left orbit height − 12.234 (constant). The cutoff point was (90.567− [−1.512])/2 = 1.0395. Therefore, above this value of 1.0395, cases were predicted to be male, while below it, they were predicted to be female. Orbital aperture measurements can play an important role in estimating sex from dry craniums. Orbital measurements could be a useful adjunctive test for sex estimation in forensic practice.

A novel approach to estimate age and sex from mri measurement of liver dimensions in an Indian (Bengali) Population – A pilot study

Radiological methods have been used to assess the ossification stages of bones to estimate age and sex, but studies using the growth stages of organs such as the liver for identification purposes have not yet been performed. Liver weight increases with age, reaching a maximum between 41 and 50 years in men and between 51 and 60 years in women. Thereafter, above the age of 50 years, the liver weight decreases again, and the differences in liver weight between men and women are lost. For this reason, we have conducted this study in a population aged between 10 and 40 years. In this study, we attempted to find correlations between liver dimensions (from magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] images) and age and sex in an eastern Indian (Bengali) population. MRI images showing the liver were acquired from people aged between 10 and 40 years visiting the MRI Centre of Calcutta National Medical College. Liver MRI was acquired from 104 people. Chi-square tests showed a significant correlation between age and the mid hepatic point anteroposterior (MHP AP) dimension. However, there was no such significant correlation between age and maximum craniocaudal (Max CC) dimension or between age and maximum transverse dimension. The following discriminant function equation was derived (Df) = 0.04 MHP AP + 0.006 Max CC + 0.031 Max transverse −11.873 (Constant). Using this formula, 60.6% of the original grouped cases from the Eastern Indian Bengali population would be correctly classified. From the forensic point of view, the dimensions of the liver may be of the value of corroborating age and sex in doubtful cases in living individuals, aged between 10 and 40 years.

Discriminant function analysis of craniometric traits for sexual dimorphism and its implication in forensic anthropology

Introduction: Determination of sex from bony elements is the fundamental step to human virtue. Scholars agree highly accurate sex identification can be done from adult skulls. Direct assessment of the bones is not always the most appropriate or practical. Medical advances have provided cross-sectional slices of scanned individuals in the form of computed tomography (CT). The aim of the present study was to examine the reliability of cranial measurements for sex differences in CT head scan records of adult live subjects to the highest possible percentage in South Indians and to develop discriminant function equations. Material and Methods: Seventy head CT records were taken and 16 parameters were measured using RadiAnt DICOM viewer software. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, Student's t-test, and discriminant function analysis. Results: The classification accuracy obtained by multivariate analysis of all 16 variables was 97.1%, multivariate analysis of nine most significant variables was 91.4% and by stepwise was 92.9% and that by univariate analysis for bizygomatic breadth, orbital breadth, basion-bregma height, and inter-orbital breadth was 81.4%, 74.3%, 72.9%, and 70%, respectively. Discussion and Conclusion: Multivariate analysis gave the highest classification accuracy and bizygomatic breadth, orbital breadth, basion-bregma height, and inter-orbital breadth were the most dimorphic variables in the study population and several other populations, and thereby should always be considered in the sex determination of humans. The study derived specific discriminant functions for sex determination in the South Indian population, providing a population-specific data for sex determination using craniometric parameters in the South Indian population and for future studies on skeletalized remains.

Estimation of stature and sex from pelvic measurements in a Chinese population

ABSTRACT Individual identification is one of the most challenging aspects of forensic science. The aim of this study was to develop population-specific discriminant function equations and stature prediction equations for predicting sex and stature from measurements of the pelvis in a contemporary Chinese population by using 3D CT (three-dimensional computed tomography) pelvic images. The stepwise analysis of all 13 measurements yielded a sex classification accuracy rate of 99.5 % and a sex bias of 0.1 %. The sub-pubic angle is a reasonably accurate single parameter, with the accuracy of 97.4 % in sex determination. Stature was estimated using the equations that involved the dimensions of a single variable. The accuracy of stature prediction from univariate analysis ranged from 5.06 to 5.53 cm in males, and from 4.62 to 5.09 cm in females. Multiple regression equations were presented, with the accuracy of stature prediction being 4.51 cm for males and 4.22 cm for females. This article provides a reliable alternative for sex diagnosis from reconstructed 3D CT pelvic images and it could be effectively used in forensic cases for a Chinese population. Furthermore, the equations presented for stature estimation in this study should be used as alternatives in forensic cases when long bones were unavailable for stature estimation.

The influence of biological affinity and sex on morphometric parameters of the clavicle in a South African sample.

The present study aims to investigate the influence of environmental and functional factors associated with biological affinity and musculature on sexual dimorphism of the clavicle, and to develop population-specific methods of sex estimation from the clavicle. The maximum length of the clavicle (MAXL), the sagittal diameter of the clavicle (SAGD), and the vertical diameter of the clavicle (VERD) were measured. The left clavicles of 198 South African coloured individuals (108 males and 90 females) were examined. Overall, the results of this study indicate that the SAGD of the clavicle is more sexually dimorphic than the VERD in the South African coloured sample. When the black American, white American, and Greek discriminant functions were applied to the South African coloured metric data, females were more accurately classified than males overall. Population-specific discriminant functions were created for the South African coloured sample. The original accuracy showed that females (85.5%) were more accurately classified than males (78.1%). Overall, the multivariate discriminant function demonstrated a higher correct classification of South African coloureds than the univariate discriminant functions. The results also suggest that univariate discriminant function equations are more accurate for sex estimation than univariate sectioning points in the South African coloured sample. Overall, the results of the present study indicate that the clavicle is an accurate predictor of sex and its dimensions are population-specific. Therefore, discriminant functions of the clavicle should only be used for sex estimation in forensic anthropology with the populations from which they were derived. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

An electroglottographical analysis-based discriminant function model differentiating multiple sclerosis patients from healthy controls.

Dysarthrophonia is a predominant symptom in many neurological diseases, affecting the quality of life of the patients. In this study, we produced a discriminant function equation that can differentiate MS patients from healthy controls, using electroglottographic variables not analyzed in a previous study. We applied stepwise linear discriminant function analysis in order to produce a function and score derived from electroglottographic variables extracted from a previous study. The derived discriminant function's statistical significance was determined via Wilk's λ test (and the associated p value). Finally, a 2 × 2 confusion matrix was used to determine the function's predictive accuracy, whereas the cross-validated predictive accuracy is estimated via the "leave-one-out" classification process. Discriminant function analysis (DFA) was used to create a linear function of continuous predictors. DFA produced the following model (Wilk's λ= 0.043, χ2 = 388.588, p< 0.0001, Tables3 and 4): D (MS vs controls) = 0.728*DQx1 mean monologue + 0.325*CQx monologue + 0.298*DFx1 90% range monologue + 0.443*DQx1 90% range reading - 1.490*DQx1 90% range monologue. The derived discriminant score (S1) was used subsequently in order to form the coordinates of a ROC curve. Thus, a cutoff score of - 0.788 for S1 corresponded to a perfect classification (100% sensitivity and 100% specificity, p= 1.67e-22). Consistent with previous findings, electroglottographic evaluation represents an easy to implement and potentially important assessment in MS patients, achieving adequate classification accuracy. Further evaluation is needed to determine its use as a biomarker.

Anthropometric analysis of mandible: an important step for sex determination.

The first step in the forensic identification is sex determination followed by age and stature estimation, as both are sex-dependent. The mandible is the largest, strongest and most durable bone in the face. Mandible is important for sex confirmation in absence of a complete pelvis and skull. The aim of the present study was to determine sex of human mandible from morphology, morphometric measurements as well as discriminant function analysis from the CT scan. The present retrospective study comprised 79 subjects (48 males, 31 females), with age group between 18 and 74 years, and were obtained from the post mortem computed tomography data in the Hospital Kuala Lumpur. The parameters were divided into three morphologic and nine morphometric parameters, which were measured by using Osirix MD Software 3D Volume Rendering. The Chi-square test showed that men were significantly association with square-shaped chin (92%), prominent muscle marking (85%) and everted gonial glare, whereas women had pointed chin (84%), less prominent muscle marking (90%) and inverted gonial glare (80%). All parameter measurements showed significantly greater values in males than in females by independent t-test (p< 0.01). By discriminant analysis, the classification accuracy was 78.5%, the sensitivity was 79.2% and the specificity was 77.4%. The discriminant function equation was formulated based on bigonial breath and condylar height, which were the best predictors. In conclusion, the mandible could be distinguished according to the sex. The results of the study can be used for identification of damaged and/or unknown mandible in the Malaysian population.

The application of frontal sinus index and frontal sinus area in sex estimation based on lateral cephalograms among Han nationality adults in Xinjiang

The frontal sinus, due to its unique anatomical features, has become an important element in research for individual identification. Previous studies have demonstrated the use of frontal sinus as an indicator for sex discrimination; however, the sex discrimination rate using frontal sinus was lower compared to that using the traditional morphological methods. In order to improve the sex discrimination percentage, we developed a new method involving the measurement of the frontal sinus index and frontal sinus area from lateral cephalogram radiographs. In this study, 475 digital lateral cephalograms of adult Han citizens from Xinjiang were included. The maximum height, depth, and area of the frontal sinus were calculated using the NemoCeph NX software. The frontal sinus index (ratio of the maximum height to the depth of frontal sinus) was also computed. Statistical analysis results showed significant differences in the frontal sinus index and area between males and females. Discriminant function equation derived from this study differentiated between sexes with 76.6% accuracy. The results demonstrated that the use of frontal sinus index and area for sex discrimination was more accurate than using the frontal sinus index alone.

Sex Estimation by Odontometric Study of the Maxillary Canine Teeth using Discriminant Function Analysis

Sex estimation till date remains an importance if not the first step in any forensic investigation. The present study thus seeks to evaluate sexual dimorphism and estimate sex from the maxillary canine teeth of the University of Port- Harcourt Students. The study was carried out at the dental clinic of the University of Port Harcourt teaching hospital. A total of hundred (100) volunteer student subjects comprising 50 Males (M) and 50 Females (F) were involved in the study. An impression of upper jaw was made using alginate impression material and casts were prepared using dental stone. A 150mm digital venier caliper with 0.001mm accuracy was used to measure the following six (6) parameters [inter-canine width (ICW), Inter-premolar width (IPMW), Inter-molar width (IMW), Left and right maxillary width (LCCW, RCCW) and Maxillary depth (MD)]. Analysis was done using t-test and discriminant function analysis. The mean ICW (M = 41.70 ± 3.22 mm, F = 40.72 ± 2.64 mm), IMW (M = 60.432 ± 0.86 mm, F = 59.62 ± 0.38 mm) and MD (M = 20.875 ± 0.55 mm, F = 20.192 ± 0.36 mm) of males were statistically insignificant at P < 0.05 when compared to that of the females. However, the LCCW (M = 7.857 ± 0.07 mm, F = 7.417 ± 0.07 mm) and RCCW (M = 7.863 ± 0.07, F = 7.521 ± 0.06mm) as well as the IPMW (M = 55.113 ± 0.36mm, F = 53.098 ± 0.41 mm) statistically significant at P < 0.05, hence sexually dimorphic. A discriminant function equation [Sex = -19.533 + -0.096 (ICW) + 0.242 (IPMW) + -0.063 (IMW) + -0.029 (MD) + 1.197 (LCCW) + 0.731 (RCCW)] was derived for sex estimation with values tending towards -0.549 suggesting that the unknown individual is likely a female, while values tending towards 0.549 suggests a male. The findings made in the present study will however, play a substantive role in forensic investigation especially in the University of Port Harcourt.

Determination of sex from nasal dimensions for population in and around Rajkot region of Gujarat

For establishment of identity from human remains, it is customary to start with Sex, Age, Stature and Race at the time of death known as the “Big Four”. Sex is the key components of partial identification. They provide one important aspect of an individual's physiognomy1. Dimensions of various parts of the body shows sexual dimorphism also. Dimensional relationship between body segments and sex has been the focus of scientists for many years. Various studies have been conducted all over the world for establishment of identity by means of sex from various body parts like hand, feet, fingersear etc. Prediction of sex from cranial remains is vital in establishing the identity of an unknown individual hence cranial parts such as face and nose have been used in studies for determination of sex by forming indices. Therefore the present study was carried out to evaluate sexual dimorphism in nasal index calculated from nasal dimensions in cadavers brought for the post-mortem examination at mortuary of P. D. U. Govt. Medical College and Hospital, Rajkot for population in and around Rajkot region of Gujarat. Total 100 male cases and 100 female cases randomly selected from cadavers brought for postmortem examination at mortuary of P. D. U. Govt. Medical College and Hospital, Rajkot. Nasal dimensions were measured by Spreading caliper after breaking Rigor mortis, if developed. Collected data were statistically analysed using software like Epi info 7 and Microsoft excel. Demarking points, Discriminant function equations and their sectioning points were derived to determine sex from Nasal Height, Nasal Breadth and Nasal Index. Value more than demarking point and sectioning points suggests male and value less than demarking point suggests female.

Sex estimation from the patella in an African American population

The skull and pelvis have been used for the estimation of sex for unknown human remains. However, in forensic cases where skeletal remains often exhibit postmortem damage and taphonomic changes the patella may be used for the estimation of sex as it is a preservationally favoured bone. The goal of the present research was to derive discriminant function equations from the patella for estimation of sex from an historic African American population. Six parameters were measured on 200 individuals (100 males and 100 females), ranging in age from 20 to 80 years old, from the Robert J. Terry Anatomical Skeleton Collection. The statistical analyses showed that all variables were sexually dimorphic. Discriminant function score equations were generated for use in sex estimation. The overall accuracy of sex classification ranged from 80.0% to 85.0% for the direct method and 80.0%–84.5% for the stepwise method. Overall, when the Spanish and Black South African discriminant functions were applied to the African American population they showed low accuracy rates for sexing the African American sample. However, when the White South African discriminant functions were applied to the African American sample they displayed high accuracy rates for sexing the African American population. The patella was shown to be accurate for sex estimation in the historic African American population.

Sex determination from calcaneus in Gujarati population by discriminant function analysis

IntroductionSex, age and racial affinity are the three most vital determinations that must be made when dealing with skeletal remains. Success in sex determination from skeletal remains is limited as most of the bones are available in fragments. The calcaneus, the largest tarsal bone, is apt for studying sexual dimorphism as it is relatively well preserved due to its density. MethodsEleven measurements of 51 adult human calcanei (31 male and 20 female) have been taken to determine accuracy of calcaneus in sex determination and to derive sex discriminant function equations specific for Gujarati population. ResultsThe correct sex classification rate after the direct discriminant function analysis of all parameters is 94.25%. Subsequent to stepwise analysis, two parameters (dorsal articular facet length and middle breadth) have been selected as the best sex determinants with an accuracy of 94.3%. Among the dimensional groups, the breadth dimensional group has the highest accuracy. The sex discriminant function equations specific for Gujarati population have been derived. DiscussionThe accuracy rate in sex determination obtained in the present study is comparable to the accuracy rates reported by previous researchers.

Estimation of sex in a contemporary Saudi population based on sternal measurements using multidetector computed tomography

Sex estimation is an essential step for identifying unknown individuals and usually depends on the presence of highly dimorphic bones, such as the pelvis and skull. Nevertheless, the body integrity can be compromised in certain circumstances, and these bones might be absent; therefore, the ability to use other bones for sex estimation is crucial. The aims of this study were to collect baseline data for sternal dimensions in Saudi adults, assess the existence of sexual dimorphism in the sternum, and generate population-specific equations to estimate sex using sternal dimensions. During 2014–2015, 200 thoracic/thoraco-abdominal computed tomography (CT) images (100 men, 100 women) were anonymously collected from King Abdulaziz Medical City. Six measurements were obtained and two indices calculated after 3D reconstruction of the CT scans. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and sexual dimorphism was assessed using independent t-tests. Discriminant function equations were developed for these measurements. Except for the sternal index, men had significantly larger dimensions than women. Sexual dimorphism was highly significant (p<0.001). The best predictor was the combination of the manubrium and sternal body lengths (89.5%). In the stepwise analysis, the best predictors were the manubrium length, sternal body length, manubrium width, and corpus width at the first sternebra, with a cross-validated accuracy of 90.5%. Cross-validated accuracy for all measurements ranged between 62.5% and 90.5%. The findings of the study may have important anatomical, anthropological, and forensic applications.

An anthropometric method for sex determination from the mandible: test on British Medieval skeletal collections

Sex determination is a vital part of the analysis of skeletal remains and the creation of biological profiles that aid in identification. The pelvis and skull are the regions usually employed by anthropologists and produce very good results. However, the mandible, being a very durable bone and frequently preserved has not received the attention that other skeletal elements have. There are some morphological methods for sexing the mandible, however metrics are considered to be more objective and easier to replicate. This study uses the measurements of the bimental breadth and the corpus thickness of the mandible. Univariate and multivariate analysis was carried out to create discriminant function equations. These equations can be used to sex a mandible with overall accuracy rates as high as 77.3%. The results of the present research are similar to those of other studies and indicate that mandibular metrics can be relied upon for sex determination, especially in cases where other elements are not preserved.

Sex determination from the piriform aperture using multi slice computed tomography: Discriminant function analysis of Egyptian population in Minia Governorate

ObjectiveSex determination from fragmentary remains is one of the most important tasks of a forensic expert. Since several studies have demonstrated that discriminant function equations used to determine the sex of a skeleton are population specific, the purpose of the present study was to determine whether the piriform aperture is a useful criterion for sex determination in fragmented skulls and derive an equation for the dimensions of the piriform aperture. Subjects & methods3D-MSCT was done to 250 patients with non-rhinologic problems (150 male & 100 female). The maximal length (height), maximal width and area of piriform aperture were measured to demonstrate the difference according to sex. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 16. Results: all measurements showed significant sexual differences. The maximal width showed the highest percentage of accuracy in sex determination followed by maximal length and area. The percentage of accuracy of maximal width was 86.2% in females and 64.5% in males. ConclusionFinally, it is concluded that the dimensions of the piriform aperture can be used as a useful tool for sex determination.

Determination of sex from the patella in a contemporary Spanish population

The skull and pelvis have been used for the determination of sex for unknown human remains. However, in forensic cases where skeletal remains often exhibit postmortem damage and taphonomic changes the patella may be used for the determination of sex as it is a preservationally favoured bone. The goal of the present research was to derive discriminant function equations from the patella for estimation of sex from a contemporary Spanish population. Six parameters were measured on 106 individuals (55 males and 51 females), ranging in age from 22 to 85 years old, from the Granada Osteological Collection. The statistical analyses showed that all variables were sexually dimorphic. Discriminant function score equations were generated for use in sex determination. The overall accuracy of sex classification ranged from 75.2% to 84.8% for the direct method and 75.5%–83.8% for the stepwise method. When the South African White discriminant functions were applied to the Spanish sample they showed high accuracy rates for sexing female patellae (90%–95.9%) and low accuracy rates for sexing male patellae (52.7%–58.2%). When the South African Black discriminant functions were applied to the Spanish sample they showed high accuracy rates for sexing male patellae (90.9%) and low accuracy rates for sexing female patellae (70%–75.5%). The patella was shown to be useful for sex determination in the contemporary Spanish population.

Factors influencing agri-preneurial success among rural women entrepreneurs: An empirical analysis

The study was purposively conducted among 97 women agri-preneurs of Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. Measuring precisely the success/failure of the rural women entrepreneurship is difficult and complex in the absence of a well- developed scale.Women agri-preneurs were grouped into four categories of success/failure by administering a measuring scale. As high as 47.43% of agri-preneurs were found to be in ‘somewhat success’ category, whereas 16.49% agri- preneurs were in ‘high success’ category and 9.27% of them were found to be in ‘high failure’ category and 26.81% of the agri-preneurs were found in ‘somewhat failure’ category. The Garrett ranking showed that successful women agri-preneurs perceived ‘self’, ‘family’, ‘skilled labour’, ‘credit transaction in time’ and ‘demand’, whereas unsuccessful agri-preneurs perceived ‘spouse’, ‘NGOs’, ‘friends’, Government incentives’ and ‘family’ as the five most important factors for success. Discriminant Function Analysis is a statistical tool used to discriminate between two classes of individuals on the basis of characters which are considered to be relevant. Stepwise procedure was used to identify the relevant variable and the significant ones were identified based on the ‘F’ test. The Fisher’s discriminant function equation established ‘achievement motivation’ ‘general perceived self-efficacy’, ‘collective efficacy’, ‘proactive attitude’ and ‘self-esteem’ as the top five most discriminating variables. Hence, trainings in achievement motivation development, team building, collective efficacy and developing personal managerial competencies like ‘proactive attitude’ need to be incorporated in women agri-preneurship development programmes for success in rural women agri-preneurships.